Increasing The Value Of Your Business

The goal of any business owner and potential seller should be to maximize the value of their asset and to be able to sell the business on the best terms, in the shortest time and for the least amount of stress.The goal of any business owner and potential seller should be to maximize the value of their asset and to be able to sell the business on the best terms, in the shortest time and for the least amount of stress.

The three most common reasons for sale are retirement, ill health and divorce. The first can be planned but the latter two can strike quickly, in an untimely manner. This may force the business to be sold at less than maximum value and for the most amount of stress.

If the business owner understands the key indicators of value then they can manage their business to be always ready for sale at any given time.

So, what drives value?

Basically, it’s the true earning ability of the business multiplied by an appropriate capitalisation rate (or return on investment percentage).

The true earning ability of the business is the adjusted maintainable net profit for the working owner (PEBITDA) or after a management wage (EBITDA).

The key components of value are:

Capitalization rate or return on investment (ROI%) – this can vary from 1 to 7 times EBITDA based on the following:

Adjusted net profit

Selling a business that can provide a job/wage will not attract as good a rate as, say, a net profit of up to $1 million, which will also not be as attractive as a net of over $1 million to major corporations.

Goodwill

Length of establishment, brand name, location, staff/management structure, growth of business and industry, patents, days and hours worked.

Plant & Equipment

Value and working life/depreciation.
Stock – value and salability.

Working Capital Requirements

Strong cash flow businesses are more attractive than those with high debtors over a long period of time.

Length of lease

Security of tenure and the term of any lease are relevant. Ideally a lease and options should be sought. The greatest security of tenure is to own the freehold.

Business owners should be aware of the features of a quality business that will attract a premium sale price. The typical premium buyer wants to enjoy life as well as own a business. This buyer wants as much disposable income as possible and the time off work in which this money can be spent, enjoyed or invested for future retirement. The following features are ‘must haves’ to be a quality business.

Full financial records of at least 3 years.

Strong financial growth.

Net at least $100,000 pa EBIT after fair owners or managers wage. The bigger the bottom line the better.

Allow owner/operator to work only 5 days per week or less.

Continuing and reliable staff in place.

A minimum 6 year lease (ideally longer) at an acceptable industry rental. If you don’t have 6 years can you obtain this from the landlord?

Sales income not dependent on the personal relationships or skills of the owner or from one source.

Other features that will enhance the value are:

A well developed strategic business plan.

Written management and operations manuals.

Protected patents, designs and intellectual property.

Plant and equipment in good condition.

Good and saleable stock at efficient levels.

Suitably located and well maintained premises.

A niche market or barrier to entry.

Well diversified customer base.

Genuine reason for sale. Finally we should expand on a few tips to the seller.

One of the buyer’s greatest fears is that the goodwill of the business will disappear when the owner leaves. To minimize this fear the business owner must give more responsibility to the staff in all departments. The more the business operates without you, the better.

Business owners should also strengthen their industry networks and supply agreements. They should maintain strategic relationships, develop partnerships and have written agreements in place. A strategic supplier may become the best buyer.

In summary, to achieve the best price, on the best terms, in the shortest and least stressful time, the business owner should understand the key indicators of value, make the business operate without the owner and have a long term lease at a fair rent or alternatively own the freehold premises.